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Middlesboro Instructors

Stephen Kappeler

Stephen Kappeler is a Senior Lecturer and School of Justice Studies Coordinator for our Criminal Justice and Police Studies programs at all of Eastern Kentucky University's regional campuses. Mr. Kappeler completed his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Radford University, (Virginia). His thesis focused on police use of excessive force. He received his B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from Central Missouri State University (Missouri). Mr. Kappeler can be reached by calling 859-622-6710 or emailing him at stephen.kappeler@eku.edu.

Dr. James David Lawson

Dr. James David Lawson is a full time lecturer with the Eastern Kentucky University Regional Campuses Criminal Justice Program. Dr. Lawson possesses three degrees from Eastern Kentucky University. He has been conferred a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s in Police Studies, and a Master’s of Science in Adult, Juvenile, and Community Corrections Leadership. In addition, he holds another Masters of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a PhD in Leadership, Criminal Justice Administration from another University. Dr. Lawson’s research interests concentrate on the importance of postsecondary degrees for criminal justice professionals. In his spare time, Dr. Lawson enjoys relaxing at home or enjoying the great outdoors with his daughters and wife. Dr. Lawson can be reached by calling 859-622-7264 at his Manchester Campus Office or by emailing him at james.lawson@eku.edu.

Carla Lawson

Carla Lawson is a full-time lecturer at the Eastern Kentucky University Somerset Regional Campus. Mrs. Lawson is a three-time graduate of EKU, possessing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s in Police Studies, and a Master’s of Science degree in Adult, Juvenile, and Community Corrections Leadership. Mrs. Lawson’s research interests focus on showing the benefit and educational and reintegration programs in reducing recidivism of female offenders. In her spare time, Mrs. Lawson enjoys reading, camping, and spending time at the lake. Mrs. Lawson can be reached by calling
859-622-7288 or emailing her at Carla.lawson@eku.edu.

Kelly Hibbitts

Kelly Hibbitts is an adjunct instructor at Eastern Kentucky University’s Middlesboro Regional Campus. Mr. Hibbitts possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Hibbitts research interests include substance abuse treatment for adolescent offenders. In his spare time, Mr. Hibbitts enjoys photography, and playing music. Mr. Hibbitts can be reached by calling 606-309-4601 or emailing him at kelly.hibbitts@eku.edu.​